Mitsubishi to introduce two new engine technologies for a 12% efficiency boost

The fuel efficiency of Mitsubishi’s Outlander Sport and Lancer lineup is expected to improve by up to 12% with the two new engine technologies that the automaker is rolling out. The first technology that Mitsubishi is launching is a new engine with next-generation variable valve timing that enhances the combustion stability and lessens piston friction.

The second one is an improved engine idle-stop system that could be applied to cars with continuously variable transmissions. This month, Mitsubishi will be presenting these technologies on the Outlander Sport small crossover, the Lancer sedan and Lancer Sportback.

These models are all built in Japan. These improvements will be made available first for the 1.8-liter engines in Japan before they move abroad or are distributed in other displacements.

The timetable on when these will arrive in North America has yet to be confirmed. At these countries, these Mitsubishi models are available only with 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter engines.

Currently, Mitsubishi is assessing the deployment of the systems in the region. The current 4B10 engine (which features dual cam shafts) will be replaced by the new engine, which is named the 4J10. This is a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve single overhead cam powerplant.

Mitsubishi claims that along with the new idle-stop technology, the 4J10 could achieve a 12% improvement in fuel economy compared to the prior engine.

These new technologies are being presented as Mitsubishi seeks to comply with more stringent emissions standards. Mitsubishi seeks to enhance the fuel efficiency of this fleet by 25% over the 2005 global average by the year 2015. However, this is just a midterm goal as it prepares to cut emissions by half by the year 2020.

By launching the new Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover, Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi Motors is able to enter into a smaller C-segment. The Mitsubishi ASX is regarded as a "global car for the regions" and will be named and specified accordingly. Mitsubishi initially launched the ASX in Japan in February 2010 as Mitsubishi RVR and then unveiled it to the European audience at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

The carmaker plans to commence sales of the ASX in Europe by the end of spring 2010. Back at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Mitsubishi unveiled the Concept-cX show car in "Kawasemi Blue" color. Thanks to the overwhelming reception, the Concept-cX eventually became a full-fledged production car. Its marketable version became the Mitsubishi ASX, which also is wrapped in "Kawasemi Blue."

A few modifications were made, although the ASX still features the Concept-cX's basic design theme and its passenger car-like stance. Compared to the Concept-cX, the ASX is around 20 cm longer at 4.295 m, around 2 cm wider and around 6.5 cm higher. Moreover, the ASX has a more upright tailgate to ensure optimum packaging.

Interestingly, the new Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover features the gaping "Jet Fighter" trademark grille, as inspired by the F-2 jet fighter of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. It boasts of a car-like "attitude" and the seemingly lack of heavy detailing that is evident on its Pajero and L200 siblings. This resulted to a Concept-cX with a less polarizing yet expressive "sports hatch."

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